Monday, Nov 07, 2011
Gulf News
Dubai Marking International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) will organise a charity gala with ballet performances on November 19 to raise awareness.
The “Ballet for Childhood” performance will feature the performance of UAE’s first ballerina, Alia Al Niyadi, in partnership with Fantasia Ballet.
Proceeds for victims
“This performance is meant to reflect on core universal values of love, solidarity, unity … more importantly to promote the importance of well-being in all its forms,” said Hessa Lootah, media adviser with DFWAC.
The show will take place at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, Mall of the Emirates at 6pm on November 19.
All the proceeds from the event will go to victims of child abuse who are residing at the foundation.
According to Afra Al Basti, CEO of DFWAC, child abuse is not a trend in the UAE but a matter which requires community awareness.
“Stress of modern life, poverty, and financial burdens are among the contributors to child abuse. Parents handle stresses of life differently,” she said.
A high school student was referred to DFWAC after suffering from abuse by family members.
Abandoned
She stayed with the foundation for over nine months and after family therapy sessions she is back with her family and enrolled at university.
Currently there are five children sheltering at the foundation, who were abandoned by their parents.
There are an undisclosed number of children residing with their mothers who are single parents as a result of domestic violence and child abuse.
recognition
nod from unesco
The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children will be the first local NGO to be recognised for dealing with women’s and human rights issues internationally by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
The accreditation entitles the foundation to take part in and attend sessions at different United Nations agencies and to present official reports on the status of human rights in the country, said Afra Al Basti, the foundation’s CEO.
— S.A.N.
By Siham Al Najami ?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
